Consequently, I vowed to return to do the hike again -- but only on a more ideal day. And earlier this year, when such a day (cool but with clear and bright blue skies) presented itself, my regular hiking companion (the fuzzyflyingbunny) and I zoomed our sights on, and headed to, the trail head of the Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail (an 8.5 kilometer-long hike that includes the Dragon's Back) at To Tei Wan:-

Climb just a few meters up along Hong Kong Trail Stage 8from the To Tei Wan bus stop on a clear day andyou'll get treated to this scenic view of Tai Tam Harbour,the Red Hill Peninsula and the surrounding area

An even more breathtaking view (this time of Shek O)awaits when you get to the top of the ridge

The Dragon's Back Trail is so-called becauseitgoes up and down a series of hills that undulatelike how you'd imagine a dragon's back would do

A different view of the same trail

View of Shek O from further along on the same trail

Though the trail may look rugged, it's actually consideredtame enough for mountain bikers to be allowed on it!

This sign (complete with a cute dragon icon) providespositive proof that one's on the Dragon's Back (and,more specifically, on the 284 meter high Shek O Peak)

The photo-worthy view from Shek O Peak

To be continued... (and in the meantime, go here to appreciate the difference in air quality from when I hiked this same trail in 2008!)